Qatar Open final: Britain’s Jack Draper beaten by Andrey Rublev in three sets

British number one Jack Draper was beaten in three sets by Andrey Rublev in the Qatar Open final.

Draper was seeking a third career ATP Tour title but lost 7-5 5-7 6-1 to the world number 10 in Doha.

The opening two sets featured just one break of serve for either player, but the decider was more one-sided.

As Draper visibly tired, Rublev broke twice to race into a 4-0 lead, before comfortably holding serve to seal victory.

Despite the disappointment Draper, who reached the Australian Open fourth round in January, will rise up to a career-high 12th in the world rankings.

“It has been an amazing week – congratulations to Andrey, he was just too good today,” said the 23-year-old, who has lost three of the five ATP Tour finals he has played in.

“He outlasted me. We have both played some really tough matches this week and he was just too strong for me in the third set.

It is Rublev’s second Qatar Open title after lifting the trophy in 2020, the first time he has won the same event on two occasions.

“It is amazing. It is the first title I have won twice so I am really happy,” said Rublev.

“We were both exhausted after some long matches this week. It was difficult but we were able to play to a good level.

“After the second set, I started to play much more free – he was more tired. I was able to break him and the match changed completely.”